The 2026 Bendigo Bank and Be.Bendigo Business Excellence Awards program concluded in style with the Winner’s Celebration, proudly sponsored by Bendigo Bank and held at the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre.
This final event brought together winners, sponsors, judges and program partners for an evening of recognition, celebration and community connection.
The Winner’s Celebration provided another opportunity to recognise the achievements of our 2026 winners and reflect on this year’s Awards journey, while bringing together the people and organisations who help make the program possible.
Guests heard from Hayley Tibbett, CEO of Be.Bendigo, Sarah Bateson, Chief Marketing Officer and member of the Executive Team at Bendigo Bank and Rhett Nankervis, Site Manager at Thales Bendigo, the 2026 Business of the Year winner. Each shared reflections on the Awards journey and the importance of celebrating local business excellence.
Guests enjoyed food from Crooked Kitchen, while AJ from Bendigo Photos captured the event beautifully, ensuring the evening’s highlights will be remembered.
The Bendigo Business Excellence Awards are about shining a light on local businesses and the people behind them. The program provides an opportunity to recognise their achievements, share their stories and celebrate the contribution they make to our region.
As we close another year of the Awards, we thank Bendigo Bank, along with our sponsors, judges and partners who make the program possible. Most importantly, we celebrate our 2026 winners, whose innovation, resilience and dedication continue to strengthen our region.
When local businesses thrive, our economy thrives. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the businesses that make Greater Bendigo stronger.
